• Bigoldmustard@lemmy.zip
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    4 months ago

    I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I almost took a 3 ton truck to the knee twice in a week and hung it up. I got a family.

    • grue@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      My family rides on a cargo bike.

      (Pictured: the same model bike, but not my actual family)

      • Bigoldmustard@lemmy.zip
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        4 months ago

        And what of the trucks and people texting? I straight up saw someone doing a FaceTime while driving 2 weeks ago. I’d be hesitant to drive a small car, let alone a bike.

        • grue@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ We’re not cowards, I guess?

          Statistically, utility cyclists live longer than drivers. Although I can’t find the study itself to be sure, I believe that’s considering all factors including car crashes.

            • grue@lemmy.world
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              4 months ago

              Statistically, you are twice as likely to die riding a bike vs driving.

              And you’re way, way more likely to die due to complications of a sedentary lifestyle (due to driving instead of cycling), which blows that difference out of the water.

              On top of that, the more people bike, the safer it becomes (both because of more/better bicycle infrastructure, and fewer drivers). Statistically, I’m making myself safer by trying to persuade people to try it.

        • sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works
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          4 months ago

          Avoid the busy roads and do a mixture of aggressive and defensive cycling. Take the lane if it’s not safe for others to pass, and take side streets instead of busy roads. Your goal is to be seen and avoid the angry drivers.

          I bike commuted every day for years and had no problems. I just changed jobs and it’s too far away now, but I really miss cycling to work.

        • Kiwi@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          I carry a large chain and swing it aggressively. Cars pay a lot more attention to you when their property is at risk.

          Same with crossing a street, try carrying a brick and see how much more space cars give you.

          They threaten me with their giant car, I threaten them back